Former IU star Victor Oladipo has been the subject of unsubstantiated trade rumors for months.
A report this week by Jared Weiss of The Athletic generated significant interest, suggesting that the Pacers’ guard is “looking to move on this offseason.”
But was it just the latest guess aimed at generating subscriptions or clicks?
Oladipo says there is nothing to the reports.
In an interview with rapper Fat Joe on Instagram Live, Oladipo confirmed that he is still with Indiana.
“I’m a Pacer. I’m a Pacer. Those rumors on the internet, I don’t know where they’re coming from, I’m just focused on getting my knee right for next year,” Oladipo said.
While Weiss’ report suggests that Oladipo has made up his mind, the reality is likely that he is waiting to see the Pacers next move.
Indiana fired head coach Nate McMillan after the Pacers were swept in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
The franchise has lost in the first round of the playoffs each of the last five seasons.
While Oladipo’s three-year stay in Indiana has catapulted his career to a new level of stardom, it is those early playoff losses that really have him thinking about the future.
Whether in Indiana or elsewhere, Oladipo says that the only thing on his mind is winning.
“Everybody who knows me knows that I’m all about winning.” Oladpio said. “I feel that that’s what you’re defined as in this game.”
Who will the Pacers hire as their next head coach?
What kind of roster will they assemble around Oladipo?
Those seem to be the real questions right now.
Oladipo insists that he is a Pacer, but it is Indiana’s move.
At 28 years old, Oladipo is still in his prime, but he has a sense of urgency about winning in the postseason.
“Not saying that Charles Barkley ain’t a great player but at the end of the day, I want to be able to show my kids when I have them how great of a player I was and in order to do that you gotta show them some hardware. That’s what I’m locked in on doing. I want some hardware and I want a lot of hardware.” Oladipo said.
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